Reports: Mixed Feelings As Grizzlies’ Zach Edey Makes Wrong Kind of NBA History

This is not something Zach Edey would want to remember.

Zach Edey entered the league as one of the most debated prospects. After a successful run at Purdue, many questioned whether his style of play would adapt to the NBA. Despite this, the Memphis Grizzlies valued his potential, selecting him with the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft and naming him their starting center for opening night—a significant show of confidence.

Although the Grizzlies managed a thrilling season opener victory against the Utah Jazz, winning 126-124, Edey’s contribution was minimal. He scored just five points and grabbed five rebounds in 15 minutes due to foul trouble, ultimately accumulating six fouls.

In doing so, Edey made an unwanted mark in NBA history, becoming the “only player since the NBA-ABA merger to start his debut and foul out in 15 minutes or less,” according to OptaSTATS on X (formerly Twitter).

After an impressive preseason, expectations for Edey were high, suggesting his adjustment to the NBA might be smoother than many anticipated. However, it’s clear that he still has much to learn if he hopes to secure his spot as the Grizzlies’ long-term starting center.

As Edey becomes more accustomed to the pace of the NBA, he should find it easier to position himself effectively in the paint. Many of his fouls were due to poor positioning, an aspect that should improve with experience.

Given the Grizzlies’ high regard for Edey, he’s expected to develop quickly, especially as the team aims to reestablish itself in playoff contention.

With Zach Edey struggling with inexperience in his debut for the Grizzlies, Memphis had to rely on their other center options off the bench. Brandon Clarke seemed like the most suitable candidate for significant minutes due to his defensive versatility, but his performance has noticeably declined, and he didn’t improve his situation in the game against the Jazz. Ultimately, it was two-way center Jay Huff who emerged as the best option at center on Wednesday night.

Huff played 22 minutes and contributed crucial baskets for the Grizzlies when it mattered most, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting and 3-of-5 from three-point range. His performance was particularly valuable given Memphis’s current injury issues with Jaren Jackson Jr.

Once Jackson returns to help protect the rim, Edey may have the potential to become a more effective presence in the paint. However, it’s uncertain when Jackson will be back, as he is currently listed as doubtful for the Grizzlies’ next game against the Houston Rockets.